Getting up extra early in the morning to exercise isn't something you would think most kids would want to do.

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But a group of D.C. elementary school students do just that and they say they actually look forward to it.

A voluntary program--BOKS--is making up for physical education cuts in local schools.

And research shows the benefits of this Reebok-sponsored program spill over into the classroom.

According to the American Heart Association, one in three children aged 2-19 are overweight or obese. BOKS is working to combat that by teaching the children about eating right after each exercise session.

The BOKS program is in seven D.C. schools and one Virginia school, but the program is expected to expand to local middle schools next year.

WATCH: ABC7's Pamela Brown visits Simon Elementary School in Ward 8 and talks with kids about the program.